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Multiple Choice
Which of the following factors can cause DNA to mutate?
A
Ultraviolet radiation
B
Water
C
Nitrogen gas
D
Oxygen
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that DNA mutations are changes in the nucleotide sequence of DNA, which can be caused by various environmental factors.
Identify that ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a known mutagen. It can cause DNA mutations by inducing the formation of pyrimidine dimers, which are covalent linkages between adjacent thymine or cytosine bases in DNA.
Consider the role of water in DNA stability. While water is essential for life and the stability of DNA, it does not typically cause mutations under normal conditions.
Evaluate the impact of nitrogen gas on DNA. Nitrogen gas is inert and does not react with DNA to cause mutations.
Assess the role of oxygen in DNA mutation. While oxygen itself is not a direct mutagen, reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are derived from oxygen, can cause oxidative damage to DNA, leading to mutations.